6 Things To Do in Sevan | Discover The Town Near The Blue Eyed Beauty of Armenia!

Things to do in Sevan resort town? Well, there are so many things to do! Sevan is one of the most fabulous regions in Armenia with its stunning nature and landscape. Down below you can find the list of compulsory things to do in beautiful Sevan.

Located in the Gegharkunik Province of Armenia, Sevan is a popular resort city with the population of about 19,230 people. The city is home to some notable samples of ancient Armenian architecture.

During the summer months Sevan turns into a beloved resort destination and the core of all the summer fun is the Sevan peninsula.

Now, let’s take a look at the top things to do in the city of Sevan that you shouldn’t miss. This will make your holidays even more memorable and joyful.

Things to Do in Sevan #1: Sevanavank Monastery

The monastic complex of Sevanavank is located near the peninsula of Lake Sevan. The monastery consists of two churches that were erected in 874AD by Armenian princess Mariam (the daughter of King Ashot I).

These temples are called Surb Arakelots (Holy Apostles) and Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) and they both have almost the same architecture. The buildings of these churches are constructed from black tuff. That’s the reason why the complex is called “Sevanavank”, which means “Black Monastery”.

What is more important is that the area around Sevanavank Monastery is a perfect place for tourists to enjoy the most stunning, breathtaking and awe-inspiring view of Lake Sevan.

The epic and simply majestic scene from the top of the monastery itself is well worth visiting the place. Guess why? It opens the view of the picturesque mountains with their green mountain slopes and high tops that are covered with snow.

It’s also important to note that even though the monastery is very close to resort centers, it has a special dress-code. You won’t be allowed to enter the monastery dressed in very short skirt or swimsuit as your legs and shoulders must be well covered.

Things to Do in Sevan # 2: The Most Delicious Spots

Your journey to Sevan will be incomplete without the local “must-taste” dishes, such as trout and whitefish.

Zanazan Restaurant, situated in a huge barnlike building, is an excellent restaurant that serves the best dishes in Sevan. It has an open terrace from where you can enjoy the magnificent panoramic scenery of Lake Sevan, its surrounding beautiful nature and try the most pleasant Armenian cuisine.

Don’t forget to try at the restaurant their unusual and delicious fresh salads and the most famous fish of Sevan, barbecued Ishkhan (trout) that means “Prince” in English translation.

Another great restaurant located near Sevanavank Monastery is Ashot Yerkat Restaurant. Here you can enjoy tasty kebabs, grilled fish dishes and salads.

By the way, the restaurant is named after an Armenian monarch Ashot II. He is regarded as one of the most powerful kings of the Armenian Kingdom. That’s why he is remembered by the nickname of Yerkat, which means iron.

Things to Do in Sevan #3: Majestic Lake Sevan

Lake Sevan or as it is designated by the locals the “blue-eyed beauty” is a top tourist destination that you shouldn’t miss during your journey in Armenia.

It will take approximately half an hour to get there by car from Yerevan. This pride of the Armenian people is the most popular spot where Armenians like to spend their vacations. The magic of this blue pearl can take you beyond boundaries that you might have never been before.

In short, this lake is amazingly cool and wonderful. Just imagine the sounds of the transparent water of the lake combined with the mild breeze blowing on your face and the most stunning nature around. Can’t be any better, right?

The waters of Sevan are like a piece of the sky that ascended on the earth and found its place around the beautiful mountains.Maxim Gorky (Russian writer)

Situated in Gegharkhounik Province, Lake Sevan is just 60 kilometers to the north of Yerevan. This greatest lake of the Caucasus Region also provides fresh water fish to Transcaucasia. Also, Lake Sevan is one of the biggest freshwater high mountain lakes in the world.

Furthermore, this beautiful lake has an enormous role in the economy of Armenia. It also provides the nation with the most delicious fish, high quality recreation and low-cost electricity.

It’s needless to say that from the top of Sevan Peninsula you can enjoy the most incredible and spectacular panoramic view of this Armenian treasury.

Things to Do in Sevan #4: Lchashen

The village of Lchashen is an outstanding Bronze Age monument. The surrounding area of Lchashen itself seems to be an open-air archaeological museum. Furthermore, the findings from excavations of the village enriched the collection of the History Museum of Armenia.

The complex provides archeological monuments and artifacts of various periods, such as from Urartian times and the Bronze Age.

This unique village was founded as a settlement in the 4th millennium BC. In the 3rd millennium BC it became a town-fortress. The remains of the walls of this ancient fortress with citadels stand in south-east of Lchashen.

On the eastern side, you can see the first written reference to Lchashen. It’s King Argishti’s cuneiform inscription engraved on a big cliff dating back to 776 BC. So, make sure that you won’t miss your chance to visit this land saturated with history as well.

Things to Do in Sevan #5: Sevan Botanical Garden

Another wonderful location is Sevan Botanical Garden. Situated at the altitude of 2,000 m above the sea level, it is quite special and unique garden. It holds more than 450 species of flora.

Besides, there are over 500 species of trees and bushes brought here from various countries that are being tested in Sevan Botaical Garden.

Although this is a young garden, Sevan Botanical Garden has all the chances to become one of the most visited spots of Sevan.

Things to do in Sevan #6: Mashtotsner

Another hotspot that is well worth visiting is Mashtotsner sanctuary. The legend has it that this holy place was established in the 9th century by a priest, who later was known as Catholicos Mashtots Yeghvardatsi.

As you can guess, the sanctuary, reconstructed in 1984, is named in his honor. The locals call it “Holy Mashtotsner” as it is regarded as a shrine thanks to the healing features of the water spring near to the chapel.

It is considered as an Armenian alternative of Holy Water of Lourdes in France. The surrounding territory of the sanctuary is rich in different medical herbs. Moreover, it is very comfortable for having picnics.